As of May 2026, IRCC official processing times are 25 months for Inland and 16 months for Outland spousal sponsorship (outside Quebec). Quebec Outland is 32 months. These numbers represent the 80th percentile of completed applications and are updated monthly.
Spousal sponsorship is the most emotionally charged immigration process for most newcomers — waiting months or years to be with your partner in Canada is difficult. Understanding how the timelines work, and what you can do while waiting, makes the process far less stressful.
Here is every number you need, updated with May 2026 IRCC data.
IRCC updates processing times monthly based on actual application outcomes. The figures represent the time within which 80% of completed applications received a decision — meaning 20% of applicants wait longer than the published number.
| Stream | Processing Time (May 2026) | Change vs April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Outland — Outside Quebec | 16 months | +1 month |
| Inland — Outside Quebec | 25 months | +1 month |
| Quebec — Outland | 32 months | No change |
MIFI (Quebec's immigration ministry) reached its maximum number of undertaking applications for spousal/partner/dependent child sponsorship. New Quebec applications are not being accepted until June 25, 2026.
Inland and Outland are not just geographic labels — they represent two fundamentally different application processes with different rules, timelines, and what you can do while waiting.
| Factor | Inland | Outland |
|---|---|---|
| Where sponsored spouse lives | Inside Canada | Outside Canada |
| Processing time (May 2026) | 25 months | 16 months |
| Can spouse work while waiting? | Yes — with OWP (IMM 5710) | No — must wait for PR |
| Can spouse travel outside Canada? | With caution (risk re-entry) | Yes — lives abroad |
| Interview required? | Sometimes | Sometimes (at visa office) |
| Right of Appeal if refused | Yes — IAD | Yes — IAD |
| Best for | Spouse already in Canada on permit | Faster processing, spouse abroad |
Inland sponsorship is a two-stage process: first IRCC approves the sponsor, then they process the sponsored person's PR application.
IRCC confirms the sponsor is a Canadian citizen or PR, meets minimum income requirements, has no disqualifying criminal history, and has not defaulted on previous sponsorship undertakings. This stage runs concurrently with Stage 2 but must be approved first.
IRCC reviews medical exam results, background checks (BGC), biometrics, and relationship genuineness. For Inland applicants, a BGC and medical are typically requested early — often within 6–12 months of application.
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of the Inland route. When you submit your Inland application, you can simultaneously request an Open Work Permit (OWP) using form IMM 5710.
The OWP linked to a PR application is typically processed much faster than the full PR decision — often within 60–120 days of submitting your application package. With the OWP, you can work for any employer in Canada while waiting for your PR.
If you are already in Canada on a work permit, do not let it expire before your OWP-PR is approved. Submit your existing work permit renewal before expiry to maintain implied status, or ensure the IMM 5710 OWP is processed in time. Do not assume the PR-linked OWP will arrive before your current permit expires.
For Outland, the sponsored spouse applies from their home country through the Canadian visa office responsible for that region. The process is generally faster than Inland (16 vs 25 months) because overseas offices process family sponsorship in bulk with dedicated capacity.
The sponsor's eligibility is assessed at the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga. This typically takes 3–5 months. Once approved, the file is transferred to the overseas visa office.
The visa office requests medical exams, biometrics, and police clearance certificates. An interview may be requested. Once all requirements are met, a Passport Request (PPR) is issued. Total time at this stage: roughly 10–12 months for most visa offices.
Missing or expired documents. Medical exams are valid for 12 months. Police certificates from some countries are valid for only 6 months. If your processing drags past these validity windows, IRCC will request new ones — adding months to your wait.
Relationship genuineness concerns. IRCC can request additional evidence or an interview if they are not satisfied that the relationship is genuine. This is more common for relationships that began online, short relationships before marriage, or large age gaps.
Background check holds. BGC "started" status can sit for 3–12 months depending on the country of origin and whether third-party verification is needed. Applicants from certain regions of the world consistently experience longer BGC timelines.
Complex immigration history. Previous refused applications, prior removals, or previous sponsorship undertakings that were not fulfilled will all trigger additional review and extend processing significantly.
| Fee | Amount (CAD) | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship application fee | $75 | Sponsor |
| Principal applicant PR fee | $490 | Sponsored person |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 | Sponsored person (payable on approval) |
| Biometrics | $85 | Sponsored person |
| Medical exam (approx.) | $200–$350 | Sponsored person |
| OWP fee (if applying Inland) | $255 | Sponsored person |
Step-by-step guides for every stage of the Canadian immigration process.
Browse All GuidesProcessing times sourced from IRCC official processing times tool, May 20, 2026. Quebec MIFI intake closure sourced from MIFI official notice, May 2026. Always verify current times at ircc.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.